Omolara Odediran´s journey to entrepreneur with SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo
A micro-entrepreneur requires a diverse set of practical skills and knowledge. The SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo (Entrepreneurship Coaching) project, initiated by the Kalliola organization and the City of Vantaa, has significantly supported new entrepreneur Omolara Odediran. We interviewed Omolara, whose clothing brand, F’Joy Couture, uniquely blends African and European influences.
"My name is Omolara Odediran. I am Nigerian and the founder of F´Joy Couture, a rising fashion house in Finland. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me!"
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How did you get an idea of becoming an entrepreneur?
As an introverted business graduate from Haaga-Helia, I never thought I'd follow in my
parents' entrepreneurial footsteps. However, my passion for sewing and designing outfits, combined with a desire to honour my late sister's memory, led me to register F'Joy Couture in 2019. Fast forward to 2023, I took a bold step and became a full-time fashion entrepreneur, turning my hobby into a career.
Seeing that there is a lack of diversity and cultural representation in the Finnish and Nordic fashion market, with limited options for individuals seeking unique and personalized designs that reflect their heritage. F’Joy Couture aims to fill this gap by offering bespoke pieces that blend African and European fashion concepts.
Would you tell us about F´Joy Couture´s business idea?
F’Joy Couture is a fashion company that blends African heritage with European fashion
concepts to create bespoke designs that go beyond mere style. Our primary products include bespoke clothing, accessories, and jewellery that are designed to reflect the fusion of African and European styles. We also offer customization services to cater to individual preferences and ensure a perfect fit for our customers.
F’Joy business model revolves around creating unique, custom-made pieces for our
customers, thereby differentiating ourselves from mass-produced and generic fashion brands. We focus on quality, craftsmanship, and personalization to provide a unique and memorable experience for our clients.
How did you find SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo team and their services? What did you enjoy or benefit the most of SPOT trainings and meetings?
I found the SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo team and their services through Instagram. Their comprehensive training program and supportive community resonated with me, and I knew I had to be a part of it to grow my network. The SPOT service proved to be a well-timed and valuable resource, helping me seamlessly transition into full-time entrepreneurship and take the leap with confidence.
The trainings and meetings offered invaluable insights, practical tools, and networking
opportunities.
I enjoyed the interactive sessions, guidance, and collaborative environment. Sharing ideas and discussing entrepreneurship with fellow participants helped me refine my business strategy for F'Joy Couture and gain new perspectives.
SPOT also helped me create a marketing strategy that resonates with my target audience on a limited budget. I learned how to effectively reach and engage with potential customers, leading to increased sales and brand awareness for F'Joy Couture.
Did you work on your business idea with other SPOT participants?
The SPOT network provided invaluable connections and opportunities for collaboration. I connected with fellow entrepreneurs, experts, and potential customers, leading to new
partnerships and sales opportunities for F'Joy Couture.
SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo project came to the end in the end of July. Do you think such trainings and community meetings should still take place?
Although the SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo project has concluded, I believe that such trainings and community meetings should continue. Starting entrepreneurs need guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to succeed. I suggest that the City of Vantaa consider:
- Establishing a permanent entrepreneurship support program
- Offering regular workshops, mentorship, and networking events
- Providing access to funding, incubators, or accelerators
- Fostering partnerships between startups, corporations, and academia
Do you have ideas or suggestions to Vantaa City for the future; what kind of support do starting entrepreneurs need?
My experience with SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo has been instrumental in expanding F'Joy Couture network. I've gained the skills, confidence, and network to drive sales and success. I encourage the City of Vantaa to continue supporting entrepreneurs, especially immigrant entrepreneurs, fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, and driving innovation in Vantaa.
For more information:
www.fjoycouture.net
www.instagram.com/fjoycouture
www.facebook.com/F-Joycouture
Read more about international and immigrant talents´ journeys in Finnish working life
This blog is the third of 7 blog´s series that will be published every Thursday til mid December 2024. We are happy to share personal experiences of international talents and others with immigrant background about how they have found their way to Finnish working life. Stay tuned!
Read previous blogs:
Cam Loan Tram, Co-Funder of Preloved Coffee
Mengzhen Zhang, Founder of Nordic Insights Oy